Trump 'offered to pay $10 million of his own money' to defeat senator in his own party

The President is reportedly going after Arizona Senator Jeff Flake

President Donald Trump waves as he returns to the White House (Olivier Douliery - Pool/Getty Images)

Donald Trump threatened to spend millions of dollars of his own money against a Republican who criticised him, two sources familiar with the comments have claimed.

Insiders told Politico that Mr Trump has spoken openly of spending $10m out of his own pocket to defeat Arizona Senator Jeff Flake in the 2018 midterms.

The Senator was critical of Mr Trump throughout his campaign, especially following the release of “Access Hollywood” footage that showed the then-candidate bragging about sexual assault. (Politico sources say Mr Trump is particularly sensitive about the response to this tape, and still scolds Chief of Staff Reince Priebus for criticising him in the aftermath.)

Mr Flake has also criticised Mr Trump’s actions as president, clashing with the leader on issues such as immigration and international trade. He is also one of the most outspoken critics of the GOP's plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, which threatens to leave 22m more people uninsured by 2026.

It is perhaps no surprise, then, that Mr Trump has reportedly threatened the Senator's seat before.

In a meeting with GOP senators last July, Mr Trump reportedly told Mr Flake: “You've been very critical of me."

When the Senator refused to back down, The Washington Post reports, Mr Trump threatened to attack him publicly and predicted he would lose his re-election bid.

Months later, at an Arizona election rally, Mr Trump made his threat to spend $10m against him.

Reelection has always been uncertain for Mr Flake, who only narrowly won his seat in 2012. He is already facing a challenge from former state Senator Kelli Ward, an ardent Trump supporter, and may attract more. A February poll from Political Marketing International showed Ms Ward leads him in the polls by a margin of seven per percent .

The Senator has readily acknowledged the precariousness of his position, telling the Post: “If I wanted an easier path through the primary, then I would line up more with where the president is.”

“But I think if you’re an elected official, you’ve got to do what you know what’s right,” he added. “It’ll be a tougher path than I could have had, would have had, but I think I’ll get there.”

Mr Flake has recently started fundraising with other Republican Trump detractors, such as former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former President George W Bush.

But if an April town hall is any indication, Mr Flake may have to step up his fight against the President even more if he wants to keep his seat.

"When do you feel like you'll have the backbone or conviction to put country over party and impeach him?” one constituent asked about Mr Trump.

"Can you please take your job more seriously, senator?” asked another. “We would appreciate it.”